Visit the Tamar Valley

Just to the north of Launceston is the beautiful Tamar Valley; Tasmania's main wine growing region and home to magnificent forests, orchids and spectacular views. Whether you’re interested in history, like to get out and about in nature, enjoy a good drop of wine, or you're looking for a peaceful or romantic getaway, the Tamar Valley is the perfect holiday destination for weekend getaways or long term, indefinite stays.

Wines of Tamar Valley

Considered one of the top wine routes in the world, Tamar Valley is home to more than 30 wineries that make the most of this cool climate to produce exceptional wines. Cellar door wine tastings are a specialty of the region, with wineries only a short distance from each other and plenty of operators offering tours to the best of them.

The cool climate has produced incredibly elegant, award winning wines that are considered some of the finest in the world. Varieties you should definitely try include Chardonnay, Rieslings, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.

Natural Attractions & Ancient Forests

From Launceston and all the way along the Tamar River you’ll find several parks, reserves and walking trails showing off the magnificent wilderness of Tasmania. Take a stroll through the Cataract Gorge Reserve; natural parklands are only a 15 minute walk from the centre of Launceston. There are plenty of hiking trails, a swimming pool, beautiful gardens, plenty of wildlife and even the world’s longest single span chairlift.

Whether you like to explore alone or as part of a group, there are a number of ways to see this collection of ancient forests. Head out to Heritage Forest, take the Black Bridge Trails, traverse the Tamar Island Wetlands or see the breathtaking views from Meander Falls.

If you’re exploring the Tasmanian wilderness make sure you at least visit Narawntapu National Park which stretches from low coastal ranges to the Bass Strait Beaches, headlands, wetlands and lagoons, or Ben Lomond National Park; a mountain with an imposing precipice and some great downhill skiing.

Tasmanian Heritage

Take a step back in time and see the heritage Tamar Valley has to offer. With Colonial Settlements that date back over 200 years, there are a number of National Trust properties and estates from the time of convicts and free settlers. You can join a tour or hunt down these beautifully restored buildings yourself.

Visit the Queen Victories Museum & Art Gallery or the Launceston Tramway Museum, then venture out and take a drive to the York Town Historic Site, wander through the George Town Heritage Trail, or even the Beaconsfield Mine & Heritage Centre.

Launceston CBD

The historic town of Launceston acts as a perfect gateway to the Tamar Valley, with plenty of tours heading out into the region daily. Make the most of our local apartment accommodation for long stays to give yourself a chance to really explore this tranquil region of Tasmania. We've include a number of picks for things to do in Launceston on our Location page.